Abstract: Undertakes a pilot study by specialist Supportive Education and Quality (SEQUAL) palliative care team in 5 aged residential care (ARC) facilities in regional NZ. Conducts a clinical staff survey and facility desktop document review to determine readiness, need for and level of support required, to enhance primary palliative care for residents. Identifies lack of experience and palliative care education among clinical staff.

Abstract: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Nursing at Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand.
As the healthcare system moves toward a consumer-driven paradigm, visiting hours for family and significant others of the intensive care unit patient have become a topic of interest and discussion. Research since the 1970s has generated controversy and speculation over the ideal visiting practices in the adult intensive care unit. Analysis of the growing body of research can now be reviewed to enable existing visiting policies to be revised.

Abstract: Explores nurses' perceptions about their everyday direction and delegation interactions using a narrative inquiry approach. Invites Registered Nurses (RN)and Enrolled Nurses (EN) who hold a practising certificate, are employed in Canterbury, and registered with the Nursing Council, to participate in this research. Presents 8 narratives that highlight the nature of teamwork, the importance of communication, and the need for a delegation relationship.

Abstract: The author backgrounds the development of the role of an innovative Nurse Researcher (Emergency Medicine) role at Christchurch Hospital. She describes the emergency department and the factors leading to the creation of the role. Specific nursing research projects are reviewed, and the nature of nursing in relation to research is discussed. The author argues that the nurse researcher is integral to the expansion of evidence-based nursing, and that the role of Clinical Nurse Researcher in the emergency department has resulted in a higher profile for research, and the gradual integration of research as a clinical skill with direct practical relevance.

Abstract: This literature review focused on research that primarily addresses the issues related to medications that arise in tertiary care facilities. It finds that investigations into medication errors have primarily focused on the role of nurses, and tended to identify the nurse as deliverer of unsafe practice. Over the past few years a shift in how medication errors are understood has led to the identification of systems-related issues that contribute to medication errors. The author suggests that nurses should contribute to initiatives such as the 'Quality and Safe Use of Medicines' and develop nursing led research, to address some of the safety related issues with a view to enhancing patient safety.

Abstract: Visits the US and the UK to observe paediatric nursing services for chronically-ill children at home. Discusses the concepts that enable children with long-term illness to be cared for in the home, how staff are chosen and trained and the degree to which the family is involved in setting objectives and directing the focus of care. Part of the Margaret May Blackwell Scholarship Reports series.

Abstract: An initial profile of the demographics and current practice of Australian trauma nurse coordinators (TNCs) was conducted in 2003. The study identified common and differing role components, provided information to assist with establishing national parameters for the role, and identified the resources perceived necessary to enable the role to be performed effectively. This article compares the findings of the 2003 study with a 2007 survey, expanded to include New Zealand trauma coordinators. Forty-nine people, identified as working in a TNC capacity in Australia and New Zealand, were invited to participate in February 2007. Participation in the research enabled an update of the previously compiled Australia/New Zealand trauma network list. Thirty-six surveys (71.5% response rate) were returned. Descriptive statistics were undertaken for each item, and comparisons were made among states, territories, and countries. Participants reported that most of their time was spent fulfilling the trauma registry component of the role (27% of total hours), followed by quality and clinical activities (19% of total hours), education, and administration. The component associated with the least amount of time was outreach (3% of total hours). Although the proportion of time has almost halved since 2003, TNCs still spend the most time maintaining trauma registries. Compared to the 2003 survey, Australian and New Zealand TNCs are working more unpaid overtime, spending more time performing quality and clinical activities and less time doing data entry. Despite where one works, the role components identified are fulfilled to a certain extent. However, the authors conclude that trauma centres need to provide the TNC with adequate resources if trauma care systems are to be optimally effective